Integrating seamlessly into Nikon's upper echelon of digital compact cameras, the new Coolpix P300 boasts some serious assets that advanced photography enthusiasts are likely to covet.

For starters, the Nikon P300 claims a 12.2-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor supported by the brand's EXPEED C2 processor, together making quite an attractive combination for those interested in pursuing captures at higher sensitivities.

The £300 compact sits just beneath its launch stable mate the Coolpix P500; an advanced bridge that replaces the once popular P100, and is likely to be squarely aimed at photographers' thirsting for more manual control as well as a higher quality of image capture.

As a high-entry compact we are not surprised but still pleased to note the inclusion of full manual controls offering four exposure modes: Programmed Auto (P), Shutter-priority (S), Aperture-priority (A) and Manual (M). But we are disappointed to find no ability to capture images in raw format, as arguably many of its target consumers would require.

Following the trend for HD movie capture, the Nikon P300 provides access to Full HD – 1080p – movie recording with stereo sound, and unlike some of its rivals the new Nikon compact camera benefits from optical zoom and autofocus during recording, allows photographers to fire stills whilst filming and records footage in slow or fast motion using recording speeds of up to 120fps (VGA).

Digging further into the feature bowels of the Nikon P300 we discover that there are several advanced multi-exposure composite image functions for taking handheld portraits at night, an Easy Panorama mode that delivers 180- and 360-degree results, optimised Night Portrait and Landscape modes, Backlighting (HDR), plus a modest palette of Filter effects.

Elsewhere a high-speed continuous shooting function has been incorporated to satisfy action and sports fanatics, allowing users to claim up to 7 continuous shots at 8 frames per second.

The COOLPIX P300 is a powerful compact camera with an incredibly bright lens that delivers beautiful results, particularly when shooting at night or in challenging lighting conditions. The specially crafted NIKKOR lens offers a fast f/1.8 aperture, starts at an ultra-wide 24mm, and employs Nikon's High Refractive lndex glass to deliver sharp images with high contrast. Combined with a highly sensitive back illuminated CMOS image sensor and full manual controls, this camera offers the creative freedom to capture scenes just as you see them.